View source for King (T.I. album)

{{Infobox album
| name       = King
| type       = studio
| longtype   =
| artist     = [[T.I.]]
| cover      = King_(album).jpg
| alt        =
| released   = {{Start date|2006|3|28|mf=y}}
| recorded   = 2005
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Southern hip hop]]
| length     = 75:41
| label      = {{hlist|[[Grand Hustle Records|Grand Hustle]]|[[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]}}
| producer   = {{hlist|[[T.I.|Clifford "T.I." Harris]]|Jason Geter|[[DJ Toomp]]|[[Just Blaze]]|[[Kanye West]]|[[Mannie Fresh]]|[[Swizz Beatz]]|Keith Mack|[[Travis Barker]]|[[The Neptunes]]|Khao|Nick Fury and Tony Galvin}}
| prev_title = [[Urban Legend (album)|Urban Legend]]
| prev_year  = 2004
| next_title = [[T.I. vs. T.I.P.]]
| next_year  = 2007
| misc       = {{Singles
| name        = King
| type        = studio
| single1     = [[What You Know (T.I. song)|What You Know]]
| single1date = January 28, 2006
| single2     = [[Why You Wanna]]
| single2date = April 18, 2006
| single3     = [[Live in the Sky]]
| single3date = September 5, 2006
| single4     = [[Top Back|Top Back (Remix)]]
| single4date = December 12, 2006
}}
}}
'''''King''''' (stylized as '''''{{nowrap|King.}}'''''), is the fourth [[studio album]] by American rapper [[T.I.]], released on March 28, 2006, through [[Grand Hustle Records]] and [[Atlantic Records]]. Recording sessions for the album took one and a half years to complete in late 2005 according to T.I. in an interview with [[MTV News]]. [[Hip hop production|Production]] was handled by several high-profile record producers, including [[DJ Toomp]], [[Just Blaze]], [[Mannie Fresh]], [[Swizz Beatz]], Keith Mack, [[Travis Barker]], [[The Neptunes]], Kevin "Khao" Cates, Nick "Fury" Loftin, and Tony Galvin, among others. The album also serves as the [[soundtrack]] to T.I.’s feature film debut, ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/king-ti-holds-court-58957/amp/ | title='King' T.I. Holds Court | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/atl-merges-music-and-film-with-big-results/ | title="ATL" Merges Music and Film with Big Results }}</ref>
The album debuted at number one on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, selling over 522,000 copies in its first week of release in the United States, achieving respectable international charting and produced the two [[hit single]]s that attained chart success, including US ''[[Billboard charts|Billboard]]'' [[hit single]]s "[[What You Know (T.I. song)|What You Know]]" and "[[Why You Wanna]]". It was certified [[RIAA certification|gold]] in sales by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA), following shipment in excess of 523,408 copies in the United States.<ref name="T.I. Rules As 'King' of Album Chart">Katie Hasty (April 5, 2006). [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58852/ti-rules-as-king-of-album-chart T.I. Rules As 'King' of Album Chart] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817014601/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58852/ti-rules-as-king-of-album-chart |date=August 17, 2016 }} ''Billboard''. Retrieved October 9, 2008.</ref> The RIAA later certified the album platinum.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=t.i.&format=ALBUM&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25|title=RIAA - Gold & Platinum|work=[[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]|access-date=2009-03-01|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103041932/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=t.i.&format=ALBUM&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25|archive-date=2016-01-03}}</ref>
Upon its release, ''King'' received general acclaim from music critics, earning praise for its varied musical style, opulent production quality, and T.I.'s [[dichotomy|dichotomous]] lyrical themes, and including the hit single "What You Know" where critics praised [[DJ Toomp]]'s production for the single. The album also earned T.I. several accolades, including [[Grammy Award]] nominations for [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album|Best Rap Album]], [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Song|Best Rap Song]] and [[Best Rap Solo Performance]], winning the latter for "What You Know". The album also appeared at the top of several publications year-end lists of top albums.
==Background==
''King'' was originally set to be released as a [[soundtrack]] to T.I.'s film acting debut, ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]''. However, due to recording a sufficient amount of material, he proceeded to prepare it as his fourth album as well. T.I. named the album after his son, Clifford "King" Joseph Harris III.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vibe.com/2016/03/ti-king-album-10-year-anniversary/ |title=Here's Why 'King' is T.I.'s Most Important Album |date=29 March 2016 |access-date=2017-01-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202071856/http://www.vibe.com/2016/03/ti-king-album-10-year-anniversary/ |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Recording==
T.I. confirmed work on his fourth solo album in a 2005 interview with ''MTV'', where he revealed the title ''King''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crosley |first=Hillary |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1500464/20050420/t_i_.jhtml |title=T.I. Squashes His Beef With Lil' Flip, Plans To Serve 25 To Life - Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV |date=2005-04-20 |access-date=2012-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706034640/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1500464/20050420/t_i_.jhtml |archive-date=2010-07-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On November 4, 2005, while on tour with [[Young Jeezy]], T.I. stated that he had begun recording for the album.<ref>{{cite web |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1513077/20051104/t_i_.jhtml |title=T.I., Young Jeezy Hitting The Road On Georgia Power Tour - Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV.com |date=2005-11-04 |access-date=2012-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113175847/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1513077/20051104/t_i_.jhtml |archive-date=2009-01-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In late 2005, T.I. told ''[[MTV News]]'' that he recorded more than 70 songs for the album.<ref name="mtv.com">{{cite web |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1520485/20060110/t_i_.jhtml |title=New T.I. Songs Leak — Swizz Beatz Calls Track With Tip 'A Whole 'Nuther Level' - Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV |date=2006-01-10 |access-date=2012-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907092719/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1520485/20060110/t_i_.jhtml |archive-date=2009-09-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, T.I. continued to record songs for the album right up to the album's deadline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/012306/ |title=Mixtape Monday: Nas' Ex Spills The Beans, T.I. Beats The Bootleggers |publisher=Mtv.com |access-date=2012-02-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911024358/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/012306/ |archive-date=2011-09-11 }}</ref> T.I. was happy with the material, describing the album as being "like ''[[Trap Muzik]]'' on [[steroids]]."<ref>{{cite web |last=Tecson |first=Brandee J. |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1523819/20060206/t_i_.jhtml |title=T.I. Says Grammy Noms Are Only The Beginning Of His 'Global Conquest' - Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV |date=2006-02-06 |access-date=2012-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113232635/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1523819/20060206/t_i_.jhtml |archive-date=2009-01-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> T.I. stated that the album would show audiences that "my life is not all that it's cracked up to be".<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/022106/ |title=Mixtape Monday: Jamie Foxx Plays Piano For T.I.; Terrence Howard Gets Stage Fright |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2006-03-09 |access-date=2012-02-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106053550/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/022106/ |archive-date=2012-11-06 }}</ref> T.I. attempted to recruit Jay-Z for a guest verse, but due to scheduling conflicts, Jay-Z was replaced by [[Common (rapper)|Common]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
==Release and promotion==
===Leaks===
After half of the songs of the album leaked on the [[Internet]] in early 2006, T.I. used the leaked tracks, plus a few more new songs to make an album titled ''Gangsta Grillz: The Leak'', which came about after several songs from the ''King'' recording sessions leaked onto the Internet.<ref name="mtv.com"/>
===Promo singles===
"[[Front Back]]" was the first official promotional single to be released from ''King''. The song entered the [[Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles]] chart at number 11.<ref>[{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=t.i.|chart=Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs}} Top Music Charts - Hot 100 - Billboard 200 - Music Genre Sales]{{dead link|date=May 2012}}</ref> It featured [[Port Arthur, Texas|Port Arthur]]'s own [[UGK]]. It had small attention and has helped promote the album.<ref name=Billboard>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58968/king-of-rap|title='King' Of Rap|date=March 26, 2006|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=2008-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527040131/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58968/king-of-rap|archive-date=May 27, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
The song is the remake of UGK's 1994 single "Front,Back,Side to Side" from their album ''[[Super Tight]]''. The song was produced by [[Mannie Fresh]]. "Ride with Me" was the second official promotional single from the album. The single entered the [[Hot Ringtones]] chart at number 21, and it charted at number 78 on the [[Pop 100]] chart.<ref name="allmusic.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/king-r823773/charts-awards/billboard-single |title=King - T.I. |publisher=AllMusic |date=2006-03-28 |access-date=2012-02-27}}</ref> The song was produced by Keith Mack. "[[Top Back]]" was the third and final official promotional single from the album. The single entered the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] at number 29, it charted at number 13 on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart, it charted at number eight on the [[Hot Rap Tracks]] chart, it charted at number 39 on the [[Pop 100]], it charted at number 39 on the [[Rhythmic Top 40]], and at number 27 on the [[Hot Digital Songs]] chart.<ref name="autogenerated1">[{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p483720|pure_url=yes}} allmusic ((( T.I. > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name="allmusic.com"/> It was produced by [[Mannie Fresh]] and released as a single in a remixed version from the album ''[[Grand Hustle Presents: In Da Streetz Volume 4]]''. "Top Back" was already getting radio play in its original version before the remix was released. The song was used many times in [[Making the Band 4]] as the contestants did several dances to the instrumental version of this song. The three promotional singles garnered little attention, but helped to promote not only the album, but also ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]''.
===Singles===
"[[What You Know (T.I. song)|What You Know]]" was the first official single to be released from ''King''. The single entered the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] at number three, it charted at number one on the US [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart, it charted at number 1 on the [[Hot Rap Tracks]] chart, it charted at number ten on the [[Pop 100]] chart, it charted at number two on the [[Hot Digital Songs]] chart, it charted at number 13 on the [[Hot Ringtones]] chart, it charted at number 42 on the [[Pop 100 Airplay]] chart, it charted at number two on the [[Rhythmic Top 40]] chart, and at number 39 on the [[Top 40 Mainstream]] chart.<ref name="allmusic.com"/><ref name="autogenerated1"/> The song also serves as the theme song to the [[2006 in film|2006]] film ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]'' in which T.I. stars. "What You Know" won for "[[Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance|Best Rap Solo Performance]]" and was nominated for "[[Grammy Award for Best Rap Song|Best Rap Song]]" at the [[49th Annual Grammy Awards]]. What You Know" was performed at the [[2006 MTV Video Music Awards]], where its music video was nominated for two awards. [[Vibe Magazine|VIBE]] named T.I.'s "What You Know" as the Top Song of 2006. It was also ranked fourth on a similar list by ''[[Rolling Stone]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/12769472/the_100_best_songs_of_2006/1 |title=News |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=2012-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724193535/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/12769472/the_100_best_songs_of_2006/1 |archive-date=2008-07-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and was #1 in [[MuchMusic|Muchmusic's]] Top HipHop 2006 List.<ref>[http://www.muchmusic.com/tv/specials/holidaywrap/2006/tophiphop2006.asp MuchMusic.com | Holiday Wrap 2006] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114075018/http://www.muchmusic.com/tv/specials/holidaywrap/2006/tophiphop2006.asp |date=January 14, 2009 }}</ref> Pitchfork ranked "What You Know" number 3 on their "Top Tracks of 2006" list, while T.I.'s collaboration on [[Justin Timberlake]]'s song "My Love" was ranked at number 1.<ref>[http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/feature/40070/Staff_List_The_Top_100_Tracks_of_2006/page_10 The Top 100 Tracks of 2006 | Pitchfork] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220131900/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/feature/40070/Staff_List_The_Top_100_Tracks_of_2006/page_10 |date=February 20, 2009 }}</ref> The song is one of the most critically acclaimed of 2006 (arguably T.I.'s most critically acclaimed song), and is one of T.I.'s most successful. It has garnered a 5-star rating from [[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]].<ref>[http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/track_review/31054 What You Know | Pitchfork] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113205404/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/track_review/31054 |date=January 13, 2009 }}</ref> The song peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and it also topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In 2008, it was ranked number 68 on [[VH1]]'s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop. The song was listed at number 38 on [[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'s top 500 songs of the 2000s. The song is produced by [[DJ Toomp]] from Zone Boy Productions, with additional keys by Wonder Arillo. It utilizes an interpolation of [[Roberta Flack]]'s version of [[The Impressions (American band)|The Impressions]]'s "Gone Away" and of the song "[[Hey Joe]]", written by [[Billy Roberts]] but popularised by [[Jimi Hendrix]]. The track was rumored to be a [[diss track|diss song]] directed at fellow [[Dirty South (music)|Dirty South]] rapper [[Lil' Flip]]. The song is also played during the end credits of ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]''. The song was a major smash during the spring of 2006. The RIAA certified the single double platinum.<ref name="RIAA T.I. gold & platinum data">[https://archive.today/20120713143135/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=T.I.&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 RIAA T.I. gold & platinum data]''RIAA''. Accessed October 11.</ref>
"[[Why You Wanna]]" was the second official single from the album. The single entered the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at number 29, it charted at number five on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it charted at number four on the Hot Rap Tracks chart, it charted at number 47 on the Pop 100 chart, it charted at number 39 on the Hot Digital Songs chart, and at number 13 on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart.<ref name="allmusic.com"/> The single attained respectable international charting. In the [[United Kingdom]] the single entered the [[UK Singles Chart]] at number 22, in [[Australia]] the single entered the [[Australian Singles Chart]] at number 49, in [[Belgium]] the single entered the Belgium ([[Ultratop]] Flanders) chart at number 6, and at number 7 on the Belgium ([[Ultratop]] Wallonia) chart. In the [[Netherlands]] the single entered the [[Dutch Top 40]] at number 43, in the [[Republic of Ireland]] the single entered the [[Irish Singles Chart]] at number 17, and in [[Switzerland]] the single entered the [[Swiss Music Charts]] at number 43.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> The single samples a slowed down keyboard chord from [[Crystal Waters]]' "[[Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)]]". The chorus also interpolates [[Q-Tip (rapper)|Q-Tip]]'s vocals from [[Got 'Til It's Gone]] with [[Janet Jackson]] and [[Find a Way (A Tribe Called Quest song)|Find a Way]] with his group [[A Tribe Called Quest]]. The song was produced by Kevin "Khao" Cates. The RIAA certified the single gold.<ref name="RIAA T.I. gold & platinum data"/>
"[[Live in the Sky]]" was the third and final official single from the album. The single entered the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 57.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> The single features [[Jamie Foxx]]. The song is mainly about T.I.'s deceased family members and friends who have died in [[violence]], [[drugs]], and even [[tuberculosis]]. An alternate version exists with varied lyrics, due to the explicit nature of the original track. The alternate version does not also include the third verse. The song was produced by Keith Mack.
==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
| MC = 77/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/king/ti|title=Reviews for ''King'' by T.I.|work=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023185048/http://www.metacritic.com/music/king/ti|archive-date=October 23, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="Kellman">{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/king-mw0000400276|title=''King'' – T.I.|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=December 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127074354/http://www.allmusic.com/album/king-r787104/review|archive-date=January 27, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]''
| rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Gabriel">{{cite web|last=Gabriel|first=Robert|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2006-04-14/356687/|title=T.I.: ''King'' (Atlantic)|work=[[The Austin Chronicle]]|date=April 14, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111033800/http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/review?oid=oid%3A356687|archive-date=November 11, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]''
| rev3Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Weiner">{{cite web|last=Weiner|first=Jonah|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=3937|title=T.I.: ''King''|work=[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]|access-date=December 14, 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070624030927/http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=3937|archive-date=June 24, 2007}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
| rev4Score = B+<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Fiore|first=Raymond|title=T.I.: ''King''|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=March 31, 2006|page=64}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[HipHopDX]]''
| rev5Score = 3.5/5<ref>{{cite web|last=Tardio|first=Andres|url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.622/title.t-i-king|title=T.I. – ''King''|work=[[HipHopDX]]|date=April 7, 2006|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516164238/http://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.622/title.t-i-king|archive-date=May 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev6Score = 8.4/10<ref name="Breihan">{{cite web|last=Breihan|first=Tom|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8319-king/|title=T.I.: ''King''|work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|date=April 4, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022222432/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8319-king/|archive-date=October 22, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev7Score = {{rating|2|5}}<ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite magazine|last=Relic|first=Peter|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/king-20060405|title=''King''|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=April 5, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430215446/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/king-20060405|archive-date=April 30, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| rev8Score = B+<ref name="Aaron">{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BvUVT5TnUCwC&pg=PT28|title=Quick Cuts|journal=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|volume=22|issue=5|date=May 2006|access-date=August 19, 2011|page=91}}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[URB (magazine)|URB]]''
| rev9Score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite journal|title=T.I.: ''King''|journal=[[URB (magazine)|URB]]|issue=136|date=May 2006|page=95}}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[[USA Today]]''
| rev10Score = {{rating|3.5|4}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Steve|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2006-03-27-listen-up_x.htm|title=T.I., ''King''|work=[[USA Today]]|date=March 27, 2006|access-date=March 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026044823/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2006-03-27-listen-up_x.htm|archive-date=October 26, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
''King'' received generally positive reviews from [[music criticism|music critic]]s.<ref name="Metacritic"/> At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[Standard score|normalized]] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an [[weighted arithmetic mean|average]] score of 77, based on 18 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".<ref name="Metacritic"/> [[About.com]] gave it four out of five stars, stating "with his swagger-jacking charm on the [[microphone]], and enough [[charisma]] to convince you that he's really running things in his department, he just might be the [[Jay-Z]] of the south. King is not only T.I.'s most captivating album so far, it's probably the best thing to come out of the "A-Town" lately. And, as [[Pimp C]] explains on one of the album's many skits, a "king" is anyone that handles his business appropriately on the lyrical side of things, and many kings abound in [[southern rap]]. With such foraying display of bravado, T.I. has rightfully earned his membership to hip-hop's elite. Royal salute!"<ref name="Adaso">Adaso, Henry. [http://rap.about.com/od/reviews/fr/TIKing.htm Review: ''King''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303173317/http://rap.about.com/od/reviews/fr/TIKing.htm |date=March 3, 2016 }}. [[About.com]]. Retrieved on 2010-12-14.</ref> [[Allmusic]] writer Andy Kellman gave the album a 4.5 out of 5 praising the album's lead single "What You Know", and stating "T.I.'s fourth album isn't the leap forward he's been threatening to make, but it does carry the best set of [[record producer|productions]] he has been given to work with, and it guarantees that he won't be leaving the singles charts any time soon."<ref name="Kellman"/> ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender Magazine]]'' noted on T.I.'s status saying "Before his album sold a surprise half a million copies in its first week of release, T.I. was a Southern star who didn’t quite feel like one: He made up with irresistible hooks what he lacked in personality. Now he’s a national star who doesn’t quite feel like one. A breezily [[charismatic]] drug rapper, he’s like [[Jay-Z]] without the worldview, [[Young Jeezy]] without the gravitas; he still hasn’t distinguished himself as an artist worth exploring past the singles. Thankfully, he’s packed album No. 4 full of singles, which might be just as good. His sonorous, self-assured drawl adds an air of unflustered authority to his alpha brags, and he pours it into unexpected patterns. What he’s best at is craft—woozy refrains and hypnotic rhyme schemes—and his fleet of beats is impeccable, highlighted by the four-minute epic “What You Know,” which laces imperious synths with an intriguing wistfulness. Throughout, producers [[Just Blaze]], [[Swizz Beatz]] and [[DJ Toomp]] back T.I.’s self-deifying spiels with wild bombast: he’d seem a lot less kingly if it weren’t for his court."<ref name="Weiner"/>
[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] stated "T.I. has always been a great rapper, warm and fluid and confident, his loose elastic voice winding under tracks with force and finesse. Before every other mainstream rapper was talking about [[illegal drug trade|drugs]], he was doing it with a weary lived-in authority, proudly defiant and sheepishly defensive at the same time, bragging about getting money but lamenting the fact that he only had one way to do it. But great rappers don't always make great albums, and every one of T.I.'s previous full-lengths had a fatal flaw: desperate grabs at radio love, grossly insincere sex-jams, cobbled-together non-cohesion, or all three. Last summer, I thought [[Young Jeezy]]'s ''[[Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101]]'' (2005) was the album T.I. should've made. Young Jeezy isn't half the rapper that T.I. is, but his album-- stunning in its focus and monolithic swagger and deeply [[nihilism|nihilistic]] in worldview-- had more cinematic sweep than anything his progenitor had ever done."<ref name="Breihan"/> Matt Cibula of [[PopMatters]] described the album as a stunning classic saying that "Clifford “T.I.” Harris is one of America's greatest [[songwriters]]. I'm not just talking about hip-hop, either—even if you add in all the other genres that people go all gaga over, T.I. strides this narrow world like a colossus. No one is smarter, no one constructs tighter [[songs]], and no one has more ways to score. This is proven over and over again on ''King''. T.I. is the whole package: gritty, smooth, smart, dangerous, introspective, and wise. And while it's pretty early in 2006 to talk about albums of the year, this record says it's time to start talking."<ref name="Cibula">{{cite web|last=Cibula|first=Matt|url=https://www.popmatters.com/ti_king-2495676411.html|title=T.I.: ''King''|work=[[PopMatters]]|date=April 10, 2006|access-date=December 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515215837/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/ti_king/|archive-date=May 15, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Stylus Magazine]]'' noted "T.I.’s path to a self-made mythology hinges not just on his ability to [[trumpet]] himself, but to make his locale and history vital. ''King'', T.I.’s latest, proves, among other things, that his legacy is tied into his town, and his town, [[Atlanta]], is the true Southern metropolis: primal, spiritual, refined, and delicate at the same time. [[New Orleans]] may have the painful [[religious symbolism]], [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] the working-class spirit, and [[Houston]] the expansive, halting sound, but Atlanta is the melting pot of [[bourgeoisie]], [[aristocracy]], and neighborhood hustlers. [[Lil Wayne]] may be the chaperone of this coast, but T.I. is the [[CFO]]. Song to song [[record producer|production]] is generally top-shelf. From barn-burning “Top Back” to the slyly tender “Gone,” every chime chimes when it's supposed to, every snare clacks right into place. Individually, Grand Hustle in-house rising star [[DJ Toomp|Toomp]] gobbles up the lion's share of the praise: the cataclysmic “What You Know” and ostentatious “Bankhead” both soar. [[Mannie Fresh]] and [[Just Blaze]] inlay T.I.’s lines with [[velveteen]] strings and swirling [[drums]] respectively. ''King'' isn’t complacent enough to act like all the wars are fought and all the gods are dead; T.I. sees his legacy and city very much up for grabs. A city, a scene and his legacy are unfinished, and while ''King'' won’t be T.I.’s last, or, hopefully, best section of his [[mosaic]], it’s the perfection of his aesthetic thus far."<ref name="McGarvey">McGarvey, Evan. [http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/ti/king.htm Review: ''King''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231193720/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/ti/king.htm |date=December 31, 2006 }}. [[Stylus Magazine]]. Retrieved on 2010-12-14.</ref>
''[[The New York Times]]'' said the album had "Memorable refrains, hard beats, elegant rhymes: this album succeeds mainly by sticking to a simple but effective formula."<ref name="Sanneh">{{cite news|last=Sanneh|first=Kelefa|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/03/arts/music/03choi.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1313753292-BGDULlF7TqLDE+UH7fnZhA|title=Pink, Morrissey, T.I., Donny McCaslin - Reviews - CD's|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 3, 2006|access-date=2011-08-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115061557/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/03/arts/music/03choi.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1313753292-BGDULlF7TqLDE+UH7fnZhA|archive-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' stated "Though long at 18 tracks, ''King'' still [has] plenty of heavyweight hits."<ref name="Metacritic"/> ''[[The Village Voice]]''{{'}}s Makkada B. Selah opined that "Anyone disputing T.I.'s claim to the title 'King of the South' has been summarily silenced by the pageant King's release. The self-proclaimed Dick Cheney of rap showcases many styles, each track here is a multi-layered, highly nuanced production."<ref name="Selah">Selah, Makkada B. [http://www.villagevoice.com/2006-05-09/music/crown-royal/ Review: ''King''] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111032758/http://www.villagevoice.com/2006-05-09/music/crown-royal/ |date=November 11, 2014 }}. [[The Village Voice]]. Retrieved on 2010-12-14.</ref> Sputnikmusic's Joe Schmoh noted "T.I. has always been a prime example of an excellent mainstream rapper from the south. He exudes confidence with every single breath he breaths over the microphone, swinging comfortably from snare hit to snare hit like Tarzan of the beats. However, whether it's [[Ludacris]], [[Rick Ross (rapper)|Rick Ross]], or T.I., the problems are all the same. T.I. has no idea at all how to balance an album together. At least he didn’t until he went towards recording King, an album whose title obviously aims towards magnum opus, a record that balances T.I.’s softer side done right with effortless gruff confidence placed on balling records. Basically, King shows T.I. ripping to his full potential. With women, he’s evolved into this sort of country gentlemen, and he shows this over swelling, swollen synthesizers that make his softer side truly something to behold. And yet, it seems like what the real shine still are the bangers. Even the weak tracks sound strong due to T.I.’s superfluous confidence. Normally, records like this just sound like wastes of good beats, but T.I. serves these beats with pure swag and rhythmic ability. He doesn’t even need to rhyme about anything important or relevant, he’s got enough fun [[punchlines]] and [[self-confidence]] to cover that up. T.I. manages to spend the entire record outshining every single guest, making every beat his own, and even being respectful to the ladies as opposed to [[misogynistic]]. Overall, a triumph."<ref name="Schmoh">Schmoh, Joe. [http://sputnikmusic.com/review/36168/T.I.-King/ Review: ''King''] {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20130203014344/http://sputnikmusic.com/review/36168/T.I.-King/ |date=February 3, 2013 }}. Sputnikmusic. Retrieved on 2010-12-14.</ref> [[The Austin Chronicle]]'s Robert Gabriel stated "Respected from East to West like he was running the Mob," T.I. ascends the throne of rap regality on his fourth LP. Consistent as it is tenacious, King's effortless flow over top-grade beats comes courtesy of [[Mannie Fresh]], [[Just Blaze]], and [[DJ Toomp]], and as the synth-laden 'What You Know' has already made the job of radio programmers that much easier, T.I.'s transcends flash-in-the-pan status with a swagger unmatched in hip-hop. T.I.'s Southern drawl bends pedestrian phrases into irresistible melodies hotter than the summer streets to come."<ref name="Gabriel"/>
===Accolades===
The album appeared on several music critics' and publications' end-of-year albums lists. [[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] placed the album at number 147 on their list of top 200 albums of the 2000s.<ref name="Pitchfork staff">{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7707-the-top-200-albums-of-the-2000s-150-101/|work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|author=Pitchfork staff|title=The Top 200 Albums of the 2000s: 200-151|date=September 28, 2009|access-date=October 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002221423/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7707-the-top-200-albums-of-the-2000s-150-101|archive-date=October 2, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' placed the album at number 14 on its 40 Best Albums list for 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.spin.com/2006/12/40-best-albums-2006/?page=0%2C2 |title=The 40 Best Albums of 2006 |date=January 2007 |publisher=SPIN |access-date=2012-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018133430/https://www.spin.com/2006/12/40-best-albums-2006/?page=0%2C2 |archive-date=2017-10-18 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Stylus Magazine]]'' placed the album at number 14 on its list of their Top 50 Albums of 2006.<ref name="stylusmagazine.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/stylus-magazines-top-50-albums-of-2006.htm |title=Stylus Magazine's Top 50 Albums of 2006 - Article |publisher=Stylus Magazine |access-date=2012-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001161758/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/stylus-magazines-top-50-albums-of-2006.htm |archive-date=2016-10-01 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' named it the 81st on its list of their Top 100 Albums of 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article/3706/pastes_top_100_albums_of_2006 |title=Feature :: Paste's Top 100 Albums of 2006 |publisher=Paste Magazine |date=2007-01-16 |access-date=2012-02-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205072948/http://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article/3706/pastes_top_100_albums_of_2006 |archive-date=2012-02-05 }}</ref> Sia Michel of ''[[The New York Times]]'' named it the 9th best album of 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://apps.metacritic.com/music/bests/2006.shtml |title=Metacritic: Best Albums of 2006 |publisher=Apps.metacritic.com |access-date=2012-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205201857/http://apps.metacritic.com/music/bests/2006.shtml |archive-date=2009-02-05 |url-status=live }}</ref>
At the [[49th Grammy Awards|49th Annual Grammy Awards]], T.I. was nominated with a total of three nominations, including [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album]], [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance]] and [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Song]] for the smash hit single "[[What You Know (T.I. song)|What You Know]]". He won the Grammy award for [[Best Rap Solo Performance]] for "What You Know".
==Commercial performance==
''King'' debuted at number one on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], selling over 522,000 copies in its first week of release from the promotion of his debut film ''[[ATL (film)|ATL]]'' and the smash single, "[[What You Know (T.I. song)|What You Know]]".<ref name="BB200">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58852/ti-rules-as-king-of-album-chart|title=T.I. Rules As 'King' Of Album Chart|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=April 5, 2006|access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref> This became T.I. first number-one debut on the chart and his third top-ten album.<ref name="BB200"/> In its second week, the album dropped to number three on the chart, selling an additional 185,000 copies.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58776/rascal-flatts-gang-takes-over-no-1|title=Rascal Flatts' 'Gang' Takes Over No. 1|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=April 12, 2006|access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref> In its third week, slipped to number five on the chart, selling 136,000 copies that week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1528980/ll-cool-j-cant-knock-out-billboard-champs/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012115125/http://www.mtv.com/news/1528980/ll-cool-j-cant-knock-out-billboard-champs/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 12, 2014|title=LL COOL J CAN'T KNOCK OUT BILLBOARD CHAMPS|author=Chris Harris|website=[[MTV]] |date=April 19, 2006|access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref> In its fourth week, remained at number five on the chart, selling 86,000 more copies.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58630/rascal-flatts-earns-third-week-at-no-1|title=Rascal Flatts Earns Third Week At No. 1|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=April 12, 2006|access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref>  On April 25, 2006, the album was certified [[RIAA certification|platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] for sales of over a million copies in the United States.<ref name="RIAA"/>
''King'' attained respectable international charting. In [[New Zealand]] the album entered the [[New Zealand Albums Chart]] at number two, in [[Canada]] the album entered the [[Canadian Albums Chart]] at number 24, in [[France]] the album entered the [[Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique|French Albums Chart]] at number 36, in [[Japan]] the album entered the [[Oricon|Japanese Albums Chart]] at number 26, in [[Switzerland]] the album entered the [[Swiss Music Charts|Swiss Albums Chart]] at number 99, and in the [[United Kingdom]] the album entered the [[UK Albums Chart]] at number 83. In [[Canada]], the [[Canadian Recording Industry Association]] certified the album [[Music Canada|gold]] for sales of over 50,000 copies in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cria.ca/gold/0707_g.php |title=Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA): Gold & Platinum - January 2005 |publisher=Cria.ca |access-date=2010-04-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325202206/http://www.cria.ca/gold/0707_g.php |archive-date=2010-03-25 }}</ref>
==Track listing==
(NOTE: newer pressings of the album have removed all "skit" sections, including "The Breakup," "Pimp C Skit," and "Phone Call.")
{{track listing
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title1 = King Back
| writer1 = {{hlist|[[T.I.|Clifford Harris]]|[[Just Blaze|Justin Smith]]|Ray Davies}}
| extra1 = [[Just Blaze]]
| length1 = 4:12
| title2 = [[Front Back]]
| note2 = featuring [[UGK]]
| writer2 = {{hlist|Harris|[[Pimp C|Chad Butler]]|[[Bun B|Bernard Freeman]]|[[Mannie Fresh|Byron Thomas]]|[[Eazy-E|Eric Wright]]|[[Dr. Dre|Andre Young]]|[[Ice Cube|O'Shea Jackson]]|[[The Meters]]|Freddie Southwell}}
| extra2 = [[Mannie Fresh]]
| length2 = 3:42
| title3 = [[What You Know (T.I. song)|What You Know]]
| writer3 = {{hlist|Harris|[[DJ Toomp|Aldrin Davis]]|[[Donny Hathaway]]|[[Curtis Mayfield]]|[[Leroy Hutson]]}}
| extra3 = [[DJ Toomp]]
| length3 = 4:34
| title4 = I'm Talkin' to You
| writer4 = {{hlist|Harris|Smith}}
| extra4 = Just Blaze
| length4 = 5:40
| title5 = Live in the Sky
| note5 = featuring [[Jamie Foxx]]
| writer5 = {{hlist|Harris|Keith "Mack" McMasters}}
| extra5 = Keith Mack
| length5 = 5:46
| title6 = Ride wit Me
| writer6 = {{hlist|Harris|McMasters}}
| extra6 = Keith Mack
| length6 = 4:04
| title7 = Breakup Skit
| note7 = featuring [[Mike Epps]]
| writer7 = Darion Holmes
| extra7 = Keith Mack
| length7 = 1:56
| title8 = [[Why You Wanna]]
| writer8 = {{hlist|Harris|Kevin Cates|Neal Conway|[[Crystal Waters]]|[[Q-Tip (musician)|Kamaal Fareed]]|[[Ali Shaheed Muhammad]]|[[Phife Dawg|Malik Taylor]]|[[J Dilla|James Yancey]]|[[Bebel Gilberto]]|[[Towa Tei]]}}
| extra8 = Kevin "Khao" Cates
| length8 = 3:37
| title9 = Get It
| writer9 = {{hlist|Harris|[[Swizz Beatz|Kasseem Dean]]|[[Enrico Simonetti]]|Antonio Murri|Dino Verdi}}
| extra9 = [[Swizz Beatz]]
| length9 = 3:40
| title10 = [[Top Back]]
| writer10 = {{hlist|Harris|Thomas}}
| extra10 = Mannie Fresh
| length10 = 4:42
| title11 = I'm Straight / Pimp C (skit)
| note11 = featuring [[B.G. (rapper)|B.G.]] & [[Young Jeezy]]
| writer11 = {{hlist|Harris|[[B.G. (rapper)|Christopher Dorsey]]|[[Young Jeezy|Jay Jenkins]]|S. Graham|[[Nicholas Loftin]]}}
| extra11 = [[Nicholas Loftin|Nick Fury]] co-prod. The Chosen One
| length11 = 6:35
| title12 = Undertaker
| note12 = featuring [[Young Buck]], [[Young Dro]] & [[DJ Drama]]
| writer12 = Harris, Cates, [[Young Buck|David Darnell Brown]], [[Young Dro|D'Juan Hart]]
| extra12 = Kevin "Khao" Cates
| length12 = 4:13
| title13 = Stand Up Guy
| writer13 = {{hlist|Harris|Cates}}
| extra13 = Kevin "Khao" Cates
| length13 = 3:16
| title14 = You Know Who
| writer14 = {{hlist|Harris|Tony Galvin|[[Solomon Burke]]}}
| extra14 = {{hlist|Tony Galvin|[[Travis Barker]] <small>(co.)</small>}}
| length14 = 2:54
| title15 = Goodlife / Phone Call (skit)
| note15 = featuring [[Pharrell Williams|Pharrell]], [[Common (rapper)|Common]] & [[Mike Epps]]
| writer15 = {{hlist|Harris|[[Pharrell Williams]]|[[Common (rapper)|Lonnie Rashid Lynn]]|DMystro Staggs}}
| extra15 = [[The Neptunes]]
| length15 = 4:28
| title16 = Hello
| note16 = featuring [[Gio Washington|Governor]]
| writer16 = {{hlist|Harris|Cates|[[Gio Washington|Governor Washington, Jr.]]|[[Todd Rundgren]]}}
| extra16 = Kevin "Khao" Cates
| length16 = 3:34
| title17 = Told You So
| writer17 = {{hlist|Harris|McMasters}}
| extra17 = Keith Mack
| length17 = 4:22
| title18 = Bankhead
| note18 = featuring [[P$C]] and Young Dro
| writer18 = {{hlist|Harris|Davis|Hart|Nathaniel Josey|[[Big Kuntry King|Sean Merrett]]|[[Ernest Gold (composer)|Ernest Gold]]}}
| extra18 = DJ Toomp
| length18 = 4:26
}}
<small>{{*}} (co.) Co-producer</small>
{{track listing
| headline = [[Japan]] bonus track
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title19 = Drug Related
| writer19 = {{hlist|Harris|Chad Hamilton|W. Hutch|R. Press}}
| extra19 = Chad "Wes" Hamilton
| length19 = 3:41
}}
{{track listing
| headline = [[Special edition#Music|Limited Edition DVD]] bonus track
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title3 = [[Drive Slow|Drive Slow (Remix)]]
| note3 = [[Kanye West]] featuring T.I., [[Paul Wall]] & [[GLC (rapper)|GLC]]
| writer3 = {{hlist|Harris|Kanye West|Paul Slayton|Leonard Harris}}
| extra3 = [[Kanye West]]
| length3 = 5:18
}}
{{track listing
| headline = [[iTunes]] bonus track
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title19 = You Ain't Fly
| writer19 =
| extra19 = [[Just Blaze]]
| length19 = 3:47
| title20 = In My Hood
| note20 = featuring Dre & Mac Boney
| writer20 =
| extra20 = [[Cool & Dre]]
| length20 = 3:50
}}
==Limited edition DVD==
A limited edition of ''King'' was released, featuring a DVD. The DVD contained:
*Live concert footage from Houston, Texas.
*Music Video of [[Front Back]] featuring [[UGK]].
*A special slide show to accompany the audio of '''Drive Slow (Remix)''' (featuring [[Kanye West]], [[Paul Wall]], [[GLC (rapper)|GLC]], & T.I.).
==Sample credits==
'''"King Back"'''
*Excerpts from "Sting Of The Serpent" written and performed by Ray "Funky Trumpet" Davies<ref>{{cite web|title="King Back" Sample of "Sting of the Serpent". WhoSampled.com|website=[[WhoSampled]] |url=http://www.whosampled.com/sample/190565/T.I.-King-Back-Ray-%27Funky-Trumpet%27-Davies-Sting-of-the-Serpent/|access-date=2016-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022324/http://www.whosampled.com/sample/190565/T.I.-King-Back-Ray-%27Funky-Trumpet%27-Davies-Sting-of-the-Serpent/|archive-date=2016-11-27|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''"Front Back"'''
*Contains a vocal sample from "Front Back Side To Side" performed by [[UGK]]<ref>{{cite web|title=T.I. and UGK's "Front Back" Sample of UGK's "Front, Back and Side to Side". WhoSampled.com|website=[[WhoSampled]] |url=http://www.whosampled.com/sample/5278/T.I.-UGK-Front-Back-UGK-Front,-Back-%26-Side-to-Side/|access-date=2016-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022203/http://www.whosampled.com/sample/5278/T.I.-UGK-Front-Back-UGK-Front,-Back-%26-Side-to-Side/|archive-date=2016-11-27|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''"What You Know"'''
*"Gone Away" performed by [[Roberta Flack]]<ref>{{cite web|title="What You Know" Sample of "Gone Away". WhoSampled.com|website=[[WhoSampled]] |url=http://www.whosampled.com/sample/570/T.I.-What-You-Know-Roberta-Flack-Gone-Away/|access-date=2016-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022325/http://www.whosampled.com/sample/570/T.I.-What-You-Know-Roberta-Flack-Gone-Away/|archive-date=2016-11-27|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Contains a replayed bass sample of "I Believe to My Soul" performed by [[Donny Hathaway]]<ref>{{cite web|title="What You Know" Sample of "I Believe to My Soul". WhoSampled.com|website=[[WhoSampled]] |url=http://www.whosampled.com/sample/33273/T.I.-What-You-Know-Donny-Hathaway-I-Believe-to-My-Soul/|access-date=2016-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022159/http://www.whosampled.com/sample/33273/T.I.-What-You-Know-Donny-Hathaway-I-Believe-to-My-Soul/|archive-date=2016-11-27|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''"I'm Talkin' to You"'''
*"Nobody Knows" performed by [[Operation Breadbasket|SCLC Operation Breadbasket Orchestra and Choir]]<ref>{{cite web|title="I'm Talkin' to You" Sample of "Nobody Knows". WhoSampled.com|website=[[WhoSampled]] |url=http://www.whosampled.com/sample/185285/T.I.-I%27m-Talkin%27-to-You-The-SCLC-Operation-Breadbasket-Orchestra-and-Choir-Nobody-Knows/|access-date=2016-11-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128134621/http://www.whosampled.com/sample/185285/T.I.-I%27m-Talkin%27-to-You-The-SCLC-Operation-Breadbasket-Orchestra-and-Choir-Nobody-Knows/|archive-date=2016-11-28|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''"Why You Wanna"'''
*"[[Gypsy Woman (Crystal Waters song)|Gypsy Woman]]" performed by [[Crystal Waters]]
*Contains re-sung lyrics from "Find a Way" performed by [[A Tribe Called Quest]]<ref>{{cite web|title="Why You Wanna" Sample of "Find a Way". WhoSampled.com|website=[[WhoSampled]] |url=http://www.whosampled.com/sample/157540/T.I.-Why-You-Wanna-A-Tribe-Called-Quest-Find-a-Way/|access-date=2016-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022322/http://www.whosampled.com/sample/157540/T.I.-Why-You-Wanna-A-Tribe-Called-Quest-Find-a-Way/|archive-date=2016-11-27|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Also Contains re-sung lyrics "[[Got 'til It's Gone]]" by [[Janet Jackson]], [[Joni Mitchell]] & [[Q-Tip (musician)|Q-Tip]]<ref>{{cite web|title="Why You Wanna" Sample of "Got 'Til It's Gone". WhoSampled.com|website=[[WhoSampled]] |url=http://www.whosampled.com/sample/3786/T.I.-Why-You-Wanna-Janet-Jackson-Q-Tip-Joni-Mitchell-Got-%27Til-It%27s-Gone/|access-date=2016-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022030/http://www.whosampled.com/sample/3786/T.I.-Why-You-Wanna-Janet-Jackson-Q-Tip-Joni-Mitchell-Got-%27Til-It%27s-Gone/|archive-date=2016-11-27|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''"Get It"'''
*Excerpts from "Molla Tutto" written by [[Enrico Simonetti]], Antonio Murri, & Dino Verdi and performed by [[Loretta Goggi]]<ref>{{cite web|title="Get It" Sample of "Molla Tutto". WhoSampled.com|website=[[WhoSampled]] |url=http://www.whosampled.com/sample/51862/T.I.-Get-It-Loretta-Goggi-Molla-Tutto/|access-date=2016-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022032/http://www.whosampled.com/sample/51862/T.I.-Get-It-Loretta-Goggi-Molla-Tutto/|archive-date=2016-11-27|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''"You Know Who"'''
*"Fight Back" written & performed by [[Solomon Burke]], off the Cool Breeze OST (blaxploitation movie)
'''"Hello"'''
*"[[Hello It's Me]]" performed by [[The Isley Brothers]]
'''"Drug Related"'''
*Excerpts from "Love Me Back" written by Willie Hutch
'''''"Drive Slow (Remix)"'''''
*Excerpts From "Wildflower" Performed By Hank Williams
==Personnel==
Credits for ''King'' adapted from [[Allmusic]].<ref>[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=king-r823773/credits|pure_url=yes}} Credits: ''King'']. Allmusic. Retrieved on 2010-12-13.</ref>
{{col-begin}}
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* [[Travis Barker]] - Drums, Producer, Programming
* Philip Botti - Executive Producer
* Leslie Brathwaite - Mixing
* Greg Gigendad Burke - Art Direction, Design
* Mike Caren - A&R
* Elliott Carter - Engineer
* K. Cates - Composer
* Spencer Chrislu - Authoring
* Nate Connelly - Assistant Engineer
* Geoff Countryman Flute
* Kannon "Caviar" Cross - Producer
* R. Davies - Composer
* Kevin "KD" Davis - Mixing
* [[Swizz Beatz|K. Dean]] - Composer
* David Dieckmann - Authoring
* Sean Donnelly - Design
* [[Mike Epps]] - Performer
* [[Mannie Fresh]] - Producer
* John Frye - Mixing
* Nick Fury - Producer
*The Chosen One - Producer, composer
* Tony Galvin - Producer
* Brian Gardner - Mastering
* Jason Geter - A&R, Executive Producer, Management
* [[GLC (rapper)|GLC]] - Performer
* E.J. Gold - Composer
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* Robert Gold - Photo Production
* [[T.I.|C. Harris]] - Composer
* L.D. Harris - Composer
* L. Hutson - Composer
* [[Just Blaze]] - Producer
* Hannah Kang - A&R
* Gimel Keaton - Mixing
* Anthony Kilhoffer - Engineer
* Christian Lantry - Photography
* Lil Mack - Producer
* Dayna D'Mystro Staggs - Producer
* James Lopez - Marketing
* Keith Mack - Producer
* Glen Marchese - Mixing
* Manny Marroquin - Mixing
* Mike Mo - Assistant Engineer
* Dawaun Parker - Keyboards
* Orlando Rashid - Engineer
* Richard Reitz - Assistant Engineer, Engineer
* Tony Rey - Engineer
* Shorty B. - Bass, Guitar
* [[Swizz Beatz]] - Producer
* Phil Tan - Mixing
* Alex Uychocde - Engineer
* [[Crystal Waters|C. Waters]] - Composer
* [[Kanye West]] - Producer
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==Charts==
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{{col-2}}
===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Chart (2006)
!Peak<br>position
|-
|[[Canadian Albums Chart]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Charts/ALBUMS.html |title=CANOE - JAM! Music SoundScan Charts |publisher=Jam.canoe.ca |access-date=2011-02-23 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081217063910/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Charts/ALBUMS.html |archive-date=2008-12-17 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|24
|-
{{album chart|France|36|artist=T.I.|album=King.|access-date=October 3, 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|86|id=31931|artist=T.I.|album=King.|access-date=October 3, 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Ireland2|76|artist=T.I.|access-date=October 3, 2020}}
|-
|Japanese Albums ([[Oricon]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/285057/ranking/cd_album/ |title=T.I. Album History – Oricon |work=[[Oricon]] |language=ja |access-date=2010-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026103941/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/285057/ranking/cd_album/ |archive-date=2013-10-26 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|26
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|99|artist=T.I.|album=King.|access-date=October 3, 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|UK2|83|date=20060617|access-date=October 3, 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|1|artist=T.I.|access-date=October 3, 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|1|artist=T.I.|access-date=October 3, 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardRap|1|artist=T.I.|access-date=October 3, 2020}}
|}
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===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Chart (2006)
!Position
|-
|US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2006/top-billboard-200-albums|title=Billboard 200 Year End 2006|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|21
|-
|US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2006/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums|title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Year End 2006|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|3
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Chart (2006)
!Position
|-
|US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2007/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums|title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 3, 2020}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|92
|}
{{col-end}}
==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|artist=T.I.|title=King|award=Gold|relyear=2006|certyear=2006}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|artist=T.I.|title=King|award=Silver|relyear=2006|certyear=2013|certmonth=7|id=10059-3002-2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|artist=T.I.|title=King|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2006|certyear=2006}}
{{Certification Table Bottom}}
== See also ==
* [[List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2006]]
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links==
* ''[http://www.discogs.com/TI-King/release/795713 King]'' at [[Discogs]]
* ''[https://www.metacritic.com/music/king King]'' at [[Metacritic]]
{{T.I.}}
{{BET Hip Hop Award for Album of the Year}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:King}}
[[Category:2006 albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by DJ Toomp]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Just Blaze]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Mannie Fresh]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Swizz Beatz]]
[[Category:Albums produced by the Neptunes]]
[[Category:T.I. albums]]
[[Category:Atlantic Records albums]]
[[Category:Grand Hustle Records albums]]
[[Category:Grand Hustle Records soundtracks]]
[[Category:2006 soundtrack albums]]
[[Category:Hip hop soundtracks]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Nick "Fury" Loftin]]